VICTORA: A few thoughts on being thankful before the big day

Published: Saturday, November 10, 2012 at 09:28 PM.

It’s never too early to be thankful. Yes, there’s a day each year set aside for that emotion and it’s still more than a week away.

But gratitude is one of those things you can’t really overdo. It’s a way of life that too many of us ignore until the day named for it comes around in November.

Most of us spend our time looking forward or looking back, and it’s hard to appreciate what you have in either of those positions.

So, here’s my list.

I’m grateful for the cool temperatures that make me glad to step out the door in the morning and take a deep breath.

I love the time change that gives us a few days each year of feeling like we’re getting away with a little extra sleep in the morning.

I’m thankful to be living along the Emerald Coast, where the cost of living is relatively low and the natural scenery is priceless.

I’m thankful that my children are old enough to be independent but still young enough for a fleeting snuggle.

I’m grateful that I’m not in the military and still have the illusion of some control over my life.

And I’m deeply appreciative of all the men and women who willingly give their all to our country.

I’m thankful for roasted turkey and the way it makes the house smell. Pumpkin pies also make me happy, especially smothered by a sweet cloud of whipped cream.

I love the weekends — each and every one of them — when I can putter around the house, much as my parents did when I was growing up.

I’m thankful for memories of my parents, including my dad in his light blue “putter” pants from Sears. He wore those till he wore them out and to the end they were a standard in his wardrobe. How perfect to have clothing designated for the purpose of walking around your house doing this and that.

I’m grateful that the presidential election is over because it’s a time when people become anxious and angry and intense over something over which they have very little control.

And I’m thankful that the sun still rises and sets no matter the grief and pain that each of us may struggle with in our daily lives.

I’m grateful for hugs and smiles and patience. And for people who remember to take a few moments in the whirlwind of their lives to reach out to others.

And I’m thankful that once a year I get a reminder to appreciate what I have.

It’s never too early to be thankful. Yes, there’s a day each year set aside for that emotion and it’s still more than a week away.

But gratitude is one of those things you can’t really overdo. It’s a way of life that too many of us ignore until the day named for it comes around in November.

Most of us spend our time looking forward or looking back, and it’s hard to appreciate what you have in either of those positions.

So, here’s my list.

I’m grateful for the cool temperatures that make me glad to step out the door in the morning and take a deep breath.

I love the time change that gives us a few days each year of feeling like we’re getting away with a little extra sleep in the morning.

I’m thankful to be living along the Emerald Coast, where the cost of living is relatively low and the natural scenery is priceless.

I’m thankful that my children are old enough to be independent but still young enough for a fleeting snuggle.

I’m grateful that I’m not in the military and still have the illusion of some control over my life.

And I’m deeply appreciative of all the men and women who willingly give their all to our country.

I’m thankful for roasted turkey and the way it makes the house smell. Pumpkin pies also make me happy, especially smothered by a sweet cloud of whipped cream.

I love the weekends — each and every one of them — when I can putter around the house, much as my parents did when I was growing up.

I’m thankful for memories of my parents, including my dad in his light blue “putter” pants from Sears. He wore those till he wore them out and to the end they were a standard in his wardrobe. How perfect to have clothing designated for the purpose of walking around your house doing this and that.

I’m grateful that the presidential election is over because it’s a time when people become anxious and angry and intense over something over which they have very little control.

And I’m thankful that the sun still rises and sets no matter the grief and pain that each of us may struggle with in our daily lives.

I’m grateful for hugs and smiles and patience. And for people who remember to take a few moments in the whirlwind of their lives to reach out to others.

And I’m thankful that once a year I get a reminder to appreciate what I have.